Dozens of local authorities across England and Wales have passed council motions calling on leaders to declare the state of emergency over carbon emissions, with more due to follow.

It is part of a campaign launched by the Green Party to encourage campaigners and councillors to force authorities to act against climate change on a regional level, in the wake of warnings of a future climate “catastrophe”.

It is also a tool to ensure that the council commits its own resources specifically to address the issue of carbon emissions, as well as requesting more support from central government.

Some councils have specifically stated they want the authority to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The Green Party said its councillors were “stepping up to take local action to curb climate breakdown” after accusing the central Government of “failing to take the action needed to meet the scale of this challenge”.

To date, 27 principal authorities across England and Wales have passed the motions, with two more (Mendip and Solihul) due to debate similar motions this week. Climate emergencies have also been declared on 10 parish or town councils.

Co-leader of the Green Party, Jonathan Bartley (Getty Images)

Drastic measures needed

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party and councillor for Lambeth Council, said: “Greens are setting the gold standard on climate action. The local people stepping up to lead where the Government has failed on climate action, are a source of hope for us all.

“The UN has made clear we have a limited window of opportunity before 2030 to limit climate breakdown, but the Government is twiddling its thumbs.

“I am incredibly proud of all Green Party councillors and members taking real climate action – it’s time for Westminster to follow our example.”

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